Proverbs 29:4-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

4. By justice a king builds up the land,but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

5. A man who flatters his neighborspreads a net for his feet.

6. An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,but a righteous man sings and rejoices.

7. A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

8. Scoffers set a city aflame,but the wise turn away wrath.

9. If a wise man has an argument with a fool,the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

10. Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blamelessand seek the life of the upright.

11. A fool gives full vent to his spirit,but a wise man quietly holds it back.

12. If a ruler listens to falsehood,all his officials will be wicked.

Proverbs 29